John Lewis Day in Palm Springs: Good Trouble Lives On

On Thursday, July 17, community leaders, youth, artists, and residents filled the historic Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs for a moving celebration of John Lewis Day, themed “Good Trouble Lives On.” The event honored the life and legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis, a towering figure in American civil rights history who famously urged generations to get into “good trouble, necessary trouble” in the fight for justice.

Hosted by a coalition of dynamic organizations — Palm Springs Black History Committee, Brothers of the Desert, Courageous Resistance, Coachella Valley Sistahs Network, and Indivisible of the Desert, — the evening offered inspiration, education, and a rallying cry for continued action.

The program began with a warm welcome by Jarvis Crawford, President of the Palm Springs Black History Committee, and a spiritual invocation from Al Murray. Tim Vincent, President of Brothers of the Desert, served as moderator, guiding the audience through a dynamic evening of speakers, music, and community reflection.

Among the most electrifying moments of the night came from Anyse Smith, a local attorney and community advocate, whose impassioned speech delivered a powerful call to action that brought the crowd to life. With sharp insight and a commanding presence, Smith challenged the audience to rise beyond ceremony and recommit to organizing, voting, mentoring, and holding institutions accountable. Her words drew cheers, applause, and a standing ovation, serving as a defining moment of the evening and underscoring the event’s purpose: to turn memory into momentum.

Other highlights included a stirring performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Janiah Williams of Rancho Mirage High School, a screening of a short tribute film on John Lewis, and remarks by Palm Springs Mayor Pro Tem Naomi Soto and Ron Oden, Trustee for the College of the Desert and former mayor of Palm Springs.

Local artists like Sweet Baby Jai, Charles Huff, and Mariah Hernandez moved the crowd with music rooted in Black excellence and resistance, while poet Doris Reed reminded attendees that storytelling remains a revolutionary act.

The future was also front and center, with a passionate speech from youth leader Addison Jackson of Xavier College Prep High School, who reflected on how the legacy of “good trouble” continues to inspire young changemakers today.

The evening concluded with a benediction by Pastor Schezarone Carter of Ajalon Baptist Church and closing words from Ginger Nelson of the Coachella Valley Sistahs Network, whose “Boots on the Ground” work connects grassroots efforts across the region.

As attendees exited the theater, many echoed the sentiment that Anyse Smith had so powerfully put into words: “The time for change is not someday — it’s today.”

In Palm Springs, on John Lewis Day, the spirit of good trouble didn’t just live on — it roared.